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The AFN has invited over 50 athletes to the National U18 and U20 camp in Abuja, ahead of the African U18 and U20 championships in Zambia.
Nigerian 100m U20 record holder, Tima Godless tops the 55 athletes list of those invited to camp by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in the final phase of preparations for the African U18 and U20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia, from April 29th - May 3rd.
Most of these athletes were selected from the AFN U18 and U20 trials, held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna last month, and are top contenders for medals at the age-group continental championship.
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The Technical Director of the AFN, Samuel Onikeku, stated that the camp opens on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at the High Perfromance Centre in Abuja.
Godbless tops the list of female U20 athletes invited
Though Godbless didn't compete at the trials, the speedster was selected based on her performances last season and at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, where she won the 100m and 200m titles in record-breaking times.
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If she competes in Zambia, she will be the favourite for the African U20 titles in the sprints. Godbless alongside six others have been selected in the 'additional athletes' category by the AFN.
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Other U20 athletes invited are Rejoice Adijatu Sule, Blessing Elo Okpah, Funmilayo Adetutu Aladeloye Adetutu, Rosemary Etim, Grace Sule, Joseph Joy Ayomide, Kudoro Taiwo, Mustapha Ruqqayah Kemi, Akintoye Blessing Joy, Usenbor Osaretin Joy, Immaculate Daniel, Bright Ada Princess, and Oshiokpu Grace.
Ronke Ashabi, who set a new 3000m Nigerian U20 record of 9:34.53 at the trials, will also be a potential medallist in Zambia, as she made her international debut barely a year ago at the International School Sports Federation (ISF) held in Caen, France.
Musa spearheads the list of male U20 athletes
Sprint's double title winner at the trials Kola Musa Nurain, has the spotlight on him in the men's U20 category. The Delta State athlete won the 100m with a time of 10.35s, ahead of Kanyinsola Ajayi, who is also on the list.
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Others are NSF sprints medallist Adebisi Musbau, Unorji Kingsley, Toviho Enitan Olabode, Ajayi Kehinde, Ajayi Oluwabamidele, Badejo Emmanuel, Joshua Caleb, Okonye Precious, Charles Godfred Edward, Orekevwie Oghenetega, Iheakolam Joel and Habibu Salisu.
Below is the full list of U20 athletes invited and their events.
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Eyakpobeyan and Israel lead a strong field in the U18 sprints category
Nigeria's new speedster in the 100m and 200m, Justina Eyakpobeyan, expectedly tops in the girl's U18 category. The youngster won both events at the trials in fantastic times of 11.35s and 23.58s, and is a huge medal contender in Zambia.
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Others are Faith Okwose (silver medallist in the 100m and 200m behind Godbless at the NSF in Asaba), Chioma Nwachukwu (400m winner in Kaduna), Oyebode Stella Oluwaremilekun, Onyah Favour Onyinye, Saibu Yetunde Olayinka (won the 800m in an impressive time of 2:08), Prestina Ochonogor, Ewa Peace, Irivi Precious, Djoma Fejiro Praise (won the triple jump event, leaping over 13m), Ofuoku Nyerhovwo, Ovedje Oke Gift and Kparika Victoria.
Below is the full list of U18 athletes invited and their events.
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15:54 - 01.04.2023
Eyakpobeyan and Israel complete sprints double as more rising stars emerge at National U18/U20 trials
Justina Eyakpobeyan and Sunday Israel made it sprint double victories at the National U18 and U20 trials in Kaduna.
Meanwhile, Sunday Okon Israel is another potential medallist, after winning the 100m and 200m in brilliant times of 10.48s and 21.01s respectively.
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Daje Lucky, John Caleb, Samuel Ogazi, Olanrewaju Olawole Erioluwa, Francis James Musa, Pam Paul James, Fiaku Goodluck (a top talent in the high jump), Arinze Ifeanyi, Isaac Chukwuwike Miracle, Sadiq Zakariyya, Dickson Christain, Badmus Gafar Atanda, and Blessing Emmanuel complete the list.
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11:58 - 31.03.2023
ATHLETICS Behold our rising stars! Fiaku and Eyakpobeyan shine bright at National U18 and U20 Trials in Kaduna
The National U18 and U20 Trials is ongoing in Kaduna, and has produced several talents who are set to represent Nigeria at the African U18 and U20 Championships in Zambia.
Nigeria finished third behind South Africa and Kenya at the last edition in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with 13 gold, 6 silver, and 13 bronze medals, and will be looking forward to improve on this position in Zambia.
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